On Screen Television Input Management

ABSTRACT

A television system that provides an on screen display menu system that allows a user to select from available input source using a graphical user interface. The television system also automatically adapts to the type on input signal selected for display. The television system and on screen display menu also support interaction between the television system and attached devices to unify the control of such devices including attached personal computers through the remote control of the television system.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application claims the priority of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 61/018,261, filed on Jan. 31, 2007 and entitled“ON-SCREEN TELEVISION INPUT MANAGEMENT,” the entire content of which ishereby expressly incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a user interface for andmanagement of input signals provided by a television system.Specifically, the embodiments of the present invention include an onscreen display (OSD) system for managing and navigating televisionsystem functionality and input source selection.

BACKGROUND

Television systems provide a set of connectors to receive multiple inputsources. An input source can be a video cassette recorder (VCR) device,a digital versatile disk (DVD) device, a cable or satellite receiver oran audio amplifier. Connector types for receiving these input sourcesinclude composite connectors, S-Video connectors, component connectors,coaxial connectors, HDMI connectors and audio RCA connectors. Any ofthese connectors can be directly connected to an input source orconnected indirectly to the television system through a switch. A switchallows multiple input sources to share a single connector on atelevision by multiplexing the input sources to a single connector.

A user of a television system can select an input source for displayusing a button on a remote control for the television system. A separateinput button may be provided for each input source or a single buttonmay be provided to cycle through the signals received from eachconnector. If a switch is utilized, then the input source attached tothe switch must be manually selected at the switch in addition to theinput selection through the television system. The television systemdisplays a name for each of the input sources as they are selected orcycled through. The names are fixed in relation to the connector andtypically identify the connector type (i.e., S-Video, component orHDMI). In some cases other labels are utilized, such as Video 1, DVD orYbYyYr, that are intended to identify a signal source or type. However,these labels are fixed to the connector and designations such as DVD mayactually be for connectors attached to another device such as a cablebox and not to a DVD device. As a result, input source selection isdifficult to understand and utilize. Many users unintentionally changeinput sources and require assistance to change the input sources to thedesired input source.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by wayof limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings in which likereferences indicate similar elements. It should be noted that differentreferences to “an” or “one” embodiment in this disclosure are notnecessarily to the same embodiment, and such references mean at leastone.

FIG. 1 is a diagram of one embodiment of a television system formanaging input sources entirely within the television monitor housing.

FIG. 2 is a diagram of one embodiment of the television system within anetwork of related devices.

FIG. 3 is a diagram of one embodiment of an on screen display menu.

FIG. 4 is a diagram of one embodiment of a remote control for use withthe on screen display system.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of one embodiment of a process for presenting anon screen display system.

FIG. 6A is a diagram of one embodiment of an on screen menu for inputselection.

FIG. 6B is a diagram of one embodiment of an on screen menu for inputselection where an input source has been initially selected.

FIG. 6C is a diagram of one embodiment of an on screen menu for inputselection where an input source selection has been confirmed.

FIG. 6D is a diagram of one embodiment of an on screen menu for inputselection where an option to change input source selection has beenpresented.

FIG. 6E is a diagram of one embodiment of an on screen menu for inputselection where a personal computer input source selection has beenselected.

FIG. 6F is a diagram of one embodiment of an on screen menu for inputselection where a slideshow option has been selected.

FIG. 7A is a flowchart of one embodiment of a process for managinginteraction with a personal computer through the television system.

FIG. 7B is a flowchart of one embodiment of a process for managinginteraction with a personal computer through the television system.

FIG. 8 is a diagram of one embodiment of the components of thetelevision system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, numerous details are set forth. It will beapparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that the present inventionmay be practiced without these specific details. In some instances,well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form,rather than in detail, in order to avoid obscuring the presentinvention.

Some portions of the detailed descriptions that follow are presented interms of algorithms and symbolic representations of operations on databits within a device memory. These algorithmic descriptions andrepresentations are the means used by those skilled in the dataprocessing arts to most effectively convey the substance of their workto others skilled in the art. An algorithm is here, and generally,conceived to be a self-consistent sequence of steps leading to a desiredresult. The steps are those requiring physical manipulations of physicalquantities. Usually, though not necessarily, these quantities take theform of electrical or magnetic signals capable of being stored,transferred, combined, compared and otherwise manipulated. It has provenconvenient at times, principally for reasons of common usage, to referto these signals as bits, values, elements, symbols, characters, terms,numbers or the like.

It should be born in mind, however, that all of these and similar termsare to be associated with the appropriate physical quantities and aremerely convenient labels applied to these quantities. Unlessspecifically stated otherwise as apparent from the following discussion,it is appreciated that throughout the description, discussions utilizingterms such as “processing,” “computing,” “calculating,” “determining,”“selecting,” “displaying,” “searching,” “receiving,” “updating,”“modifying,” “assigning,” “requesting,” “notifying,” or the like, referto the actions and processes of a television system, or similarelectronic device having processing circuitry and components thatmanipulate and transform data represented as physical (electronic)quantities within the system's registers and memories into other datasimilarly represented as physical quantities within the televisionsystem memories, registers or other such information storage,transmission or display devices.

The present invention also relates to an apparatus for performing theoperations herein. This apparatus may be specially constructed for therequired purposes or it may comprise a general purpose deviceselectively activated or reconfigured by a program stored in the device.Such a program may be stored in a computer readable storage medium, suchas, but not limited to, any type of disk including floppy disks, opticaldisks, CD-ROMs and magnetic-optical disks, read-only memories (ROMs),random access memories (RAMs), EPROMs, EEPROMs, magnetic or opticalcards or any type of media suitable for storing electronic instructions,each of which may be coupled to a computer system bus.

The algorithms and displays presented herein can be implemented as aparticular electronic device, component, computer or other apparatus.However, various general purpose systems may also be used with theprograms in accordance with the teachings herein or it may proveconvenient to construct more specialized apparatus to perform therequired method steps. The required structure for a variety of thesesystems will appear from the description below. In addition, the presentinvention is not described with reference to any particular programminglanguage. It will be appreciated that a variety of programming languagesmay be used to implement the teachings of the invention as describedherein.

A machine or computer readable medium includes any mechanism for storinginformation in a form readable by a computer or similar machine. Forexample, a computer readable medium includes read only memory (“ROM”),random access memory (“RAM”), magnetic disk storage media; opticalstorage media, flash memory devices or other type of machine-accessiblestorage media.

FIG. 1 is a diagram of one embodiment of a television system 103 thatmanages input sources. The figure depicts an example configuration withpossible input sources that are each connected to a television system103. The example television system 103 includes the television monitorand remote control 101 and is connected to a number of other devicesincluding an audio amplifier 105, personal computer 107 and DVD player109. One skilled in the art would understand that any number ofadditional devices could also be connected to the television system 103or television monitor.

The television monitor can be any type of display device including aliquid crystal display (LCD) device, plasma display device, lightemitting diode (LED) display device, organic light emitting diode (OLED)display device, a cathode ray tube (CRT), a projection system includinga light or laser projection system or similar display technology. Thetelevision monitor can include the display device, backlight and controlboards for driving the display device. The television monitor can alsoinclude speakers and similar components.

The television system 103 can be designed to accommodate any number ofconnections 111A-D. The television system 103 can also be configured tosupport any type of connections including coaxial, S-Video, component,analog audio, digital audio, (e.g., optical (TOSLINK)), HDMI, DVI, RGB,composite, universal serial bus (USB), RS-232 and similar connectiontypes and signal communication mediums. An input source can be connectedto the television system 103 through any of the connection types that itsupports or through multiple connections types. The television system103 can also be configured to communicate with any input source throughwireless communication protocols such as Bluetooth, 802.11b/g/n,infrared (IR), radio frequency (RF) or similar wireless technologies andmediums. Specific examples are discussed herein with particularconnectors, communication protocols or communication mediums. However,one skilled in the art would understand that other connector types orcombination of communications mediums and protocols could be utilized inanalogous systems consistent with the principles, methods and systemdescribed herein.

The television system 103 can also include processing capabilities tomanage attached devices. This functionality may be implemented infirmware, hardware, software or similarly implemented. The televisionsystem 103 can include a lookup table to store configuration informationfor devices that may be attached to the television system. An identifierfor each device can be received at power on for the device or at thetime of connection. The identifier can be used with the look up table toretrieve the configuration information. The configuration informationcan tell the television system 103, which remote control commandscorrespond with each attached device. The television system 103 can alsoinform the user through the on screen display if a device in notsupported or obtain an update or new firmware over an attached networkif possible.

The audio and video output of the television system can be driven byinput sources or generated by the processor and software of thetelevision system 103 itself. The television system 103 can alsointermix the input sources with its own generated content. For example,the television system 103 can generate user interface menus (e.g., theon screen display (OSD) menu) to be displayed through the televisionmonitor. The television system can utilize any number of input sourceswithin the user interface (e.g., the OSD) to display the input sourcesto the user to assist in the decision making process of the user. Forexample, the television system 103 can embed each incoming video signalinto a menu of the OSD to allow the user to select the input source thatthe user would like to see. The system 103 can also capture still imagesfrom the incoming video signal of the input sources. These still imagescan then be displayed for input source selection purposes.

The input sources generate video and audio signals in different manners.Some input sources such as cable or satellite receivers are providing asignal from a remote source. These receivers may decode, decrypt, tuneor similarly manage the remote input source. These input sources may beseparately controlled from the television system 103. For example, thecable or satellite receiver can select a channel to output. Thus, oncesuch an input source is selected through the television system 103, theinput source is further controlled through its own remote control oruser interface.

A personal computer 107 can offer an input source. The personal computer107 provides a video or audio signal driven by its software applicationsand operating system. The personal computer system input 111C can beselected through the television system 103. The television system 103may allow for some control or interaction with the computer 107 througha control channel with the computer 111B. The control or interaction mayallow the computer 107 to adjust the settings of the television system103 and/or monitor. The personal computer 107 may have a softwareapplication or similar software component that allows it to communicatewith the television system 103. The software application can provide auser interface at the personal computer and is able to communicate withthe television system 103 through a shared protocol. In one embodiment,the input sources can also be sent to the personal computer 107. Otherdevices can provide this functionality or provide analogousfunctionality by executing analogous software. Other devices thatprovide this functionality can include console devices (e.g., gamingconsoles), handheld devices, music devices or similar devices.

Other types of input sources that can be connected to the televisionsystem 103 can include an audio amplifier 105 that receives an audiosignal or manages the audio signal from the television system 103, a DVDplayer 109 or similar playback device, a gaming console, consumerelectronic devices such as cameras and similar devices. Audio amplifiers105 and similar devices such as upconverters can receive audio or videosignals output by the television system 103 and output that signal to asound system, return the modified signal to the system 103 or similarlymanage the audio or video signals.

Other devices such as the playback devices and gaming consoles,primarily supply an input video and audio signal to the televisionsystem 103 that can be selected for display. Some of these devices canbe combined with one another or with the system 103. For example, apersonal computer 107, DVD player 109 or gaming console may be combinedwith the television system 103 to share the same housing. Suchcombination television systems 103 may have components that share aprinted circuit board and communicate their signals directly across sucha board without the use of external connectors. Any type ofcommunication medium or protocol can be used across a printed circuitboard or similar medium (e.g., 12C).

The functionality of a television system 103 can be controlled by a userthrough a remote control 101. The remote control 101 allows a user tocontrol the functionality of the television system 103 such as adjustingchannels, volume and similar settings. The remote control 101 alsoallows the user to control the features of the television system 103including the use of a menu system that is displayed through thetelevision monitor. The remote control 101 provides this combinedcontrol of the features of both devices. The remote control 101 can alsobe configured to control other devices in the system either directly orthrough the television system 103. The remote control 101 can output asignal of a type and format that is understood by other devices todirectly control the devices. The remote control 101 can indirectlycontrol other devices by issuing signals and commands that are receivedby the television system 103 and relayed or translated by the televisionsystem 103 to the respective devices. The television system 103 may beconnected with a command channel using any communication medium with theother devices to provide these commands to the other devices.

FIG. 2 is a diagram of one embodiment of the management system within anetwork of related devices. The television system 103 can also be partof a larger system or network. The network may be primarily expandedthrough a connected personal computer 109 or similar devices (e.g., aconsole device). The expanded network of indirectly connected devicesexpands the resources and input sources that are available to thetelevision system 103.

Additional resources can be connected through networks such as localarea networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), such as the Internet213, or through similar types of networks. Additional devices that canthen communicate directly or indirectly with the television system 103can include remote computers 215, 217 (e.g., websites), storage devices219, network communication devices 221 and similar devices.

The television system can receive additional input sources over theexpanded network and updates to the firmware or software of thetelevision system. This may be done directly through the OSD or throughthe software application provided by an attached personal computer.

FIG. 3 is a diagram of one embodiment of an on screen display menu. Theexample display is a simplified illustration of the menu that thetelevision system can generate and display to a user through thetelevision monitor and may be referred to herein as the “on screendisplay system.” Any lay out, number of navigation options, or controlscheme can be provided that allows a user to identify an input source bya common name or description instead of through a connection type. Theuser interface can also provide navigation options that grant access tocontent that is generated or managed by the television system such assettings 301, video on demand (VOD) 311 and similar content.

Some user interface options offer access to or control over other inputsources For example, selection of a “PC Games” 307 or “Internet” 309option may both invoke applications on an attached computer. However,the options like the “PC Games” 307 option may generate a further menuof available games hosted by an attached computer. Selection of one ofthose games will activate the appropriate program and switch the inputto the computer. Similarly, selection of the “Internet” 309 can invoke aweb browser on the attached computer and switch the input source to thecomputer.

In one embodiment, the on screen display system displays the navigationoptions as simple icons that label each of the available input sources.The icons can be generated based on the availability of a signal on aparticular connector, identification of the device that is connected byautomatic signal sensing, communication with the attached device orthrough a similar system. The icons can also be graphical icons thatrepresent the devices, input sources or content of the input sources,such as a DVD disc that represents a DVD player or an image from themovie on the DVD. The type and layout of the icons can be configured bythe user or automatically selected. The icons can be stored within anycomponent of the television system. Also, additional icons can be loadedinto the system. The additional icons can be downloaded over a networksuch as the Internet or uploaded from an external storage device such asa consumer storage device through connections such as USB or similarconnection. The icons can be configured or generated through a programrunning on a connected computing device.

In one embodiment, the icons can include or may be replaced by videofrom the respective input source or a still grab from the input source.An image or video may be displayed for each input source. A user cancycle or move between the available navigation options using the remotecontrol. Highlighting or similarly indicating an input source caninitiate the update of the video or image being displayed. The video orimage can also be enlarged when selected. Confirming a selectionswitches the input source and causes it to be displayed full screen orto the normal operations settings such as letterboxing, stretching, andsimilar settings.

In one embodiment, the on screen display system displays the navigationoptions as text labels or as text labels combined with icons. The textlabels can be configured by the user (e.g., input through a peripheraldevice such as a keyboard or selected through a software keyboardinterface) or automatically selected (e.g., utilizing default labels orinformation obtained from an associated device). The text labels can bedownloaded over a network such as the Internet or uploaded from anexternal storage device such as a consumer storage device. The textlabels can also be configured by a program running on a connectedcomputing device.

The on screen display system is designed to provide a uniformpresentation and user interface for interacting with the televisionsystem. The on screen display system also can integrate the userinterface for other attached devices such as an attached personalcomputer. The television system provides the on screen display menus forany attached device that supports the feature allowing a user to controlthose devices through the remote control and on screen display menus.For example, the user may manipulate settings and select programsthrough the on screen display menus for the programs executing on theattached personal computer.

Some physical input ports such as HDMI combine audio and video into asingle cable while many other input ports such as component, S-Video,composite, analog RCA, VGA, DVI-A, DVI-D, TosLink, SPDIF, and coaxialdigital provide audio and video as separate cables. Many othertelevision systems have fixed pairings between audio and video inputports. The on screen display system allows the user of the televisionsystem to configure arbitrary pairings between audio and video inputs,allowing any video input to be paired with the appropriate audio input(so that the sound matches the video). This allows users to easily hookup their devices to any available input ports of the television systemand use the on screen display system to select or match the audio inputwith the desired video input.

Once a navigation option or set of navigation options representing apair of audio and video inputs has been selected by the user, the videocorresponding to that input selection will be shown on the screen, andthe audio corresponding to that input selection will be played throughthe television speakers or other audio output such as headphone jacks,or passed through the TV system to external devices such as an audioamplifier as appropriate.

FIG. 4 is a diagram of one embodiment of a remote control for use withthe on screen display system. The remote control can offer an array ofbuttons and similar input mechanisms to interact with the on screendisplay interface as well as other aspects of the television system. Thebuttons and input mechanisms can include buttons or switches for channelselection 401 (e.g., up or down or specific channel number inputs),volume 403, power 405, electronic program guide 407, mute 409, back 411,on screen display 413, navigation pad 415 and similar input mechanisms.

The remote control may provide a navigation pad 415 in the form of anytype of buttons, directional pad or similar input mechanism to allow theuser to select, highlight, or similarly indicate an input source orsimilar navigation options and confirm its selection. The navigation pad415 will typically be used to move a cursor, tab, pointer, highlight orsimilar selection mechanism.

Input mechanisms for other features such as the on screen display,power, electronic program guide and mute act as toggles for the relevantfeatures. The on screen display (OSD) button 413 causes the on screendisplay menu to be displayed when an input source is being viewed orreturns to the input source when the on screen display menu is beingviewed. The electronic program guide (EPG) button 407 causes theelectronic program guide, which is a listing of program times andchannels, to be displayed when an input source is being viewed orreturns to the input source when the electronic program guide is beingviewed. A mute button 409 toggles the volume on and off for thetelevision. A back button 411 toggles between the last channel selectionor navigation selection and the current selection.

Any feature of the television system can be assigned to a button orsimilar input mechanism of the remote control. The remote control can bedesigned to limit the number of total buttons so as to minimize theconfusion caused to some users by a large number of specialized buttons.Instead, the focus of the remote control is to provide basicfunctionality (e.g., channel and volume adjustment) and to activate theon screen display menu for all other functionality.

Other devices may be utilized in place of or in conjunction with theremote control. Other devices may include keyboards, mice, motionsensitive devices (e.g., the Wiimote® by Nintendo) and similarperipheral input devices. The television system can be configured tointeract with any type of input device.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of one embodiment of a process for presenting anon screen display input system. The on screen display menu is presentedin response to an input from a user (block 501). The input can be froman on screen display button or similar input mechanism of a remotecontrol for the television system, from a button or similar inputmechanism attached to the television system or monitor or from anotherattached device such as the personal computer or a peripheral attachedto such a device. The television system responds by generating the onscreen display menu (block 503). The television system can have a set ofdefault menu options, user defined or selected menu options, orautomatically detected menu options or combinations thereof. Thepresentation of the menu options can be in any layout including a gridlayout, circular layout, three dimensional layout or similar layout.

The on screen menu reacts to further input of the user received from anyinput mechanism or source (block 505). The user can interact with the onscreen display menus through a navigational pad or similar inputmechanism to select a navigation option or confirm the navigation optionthat is selected. A default navigation option may be initially selected.The on screen display will continue to be displayed in response toinaction by the user. In another embodiment, the on screen display maytime out causing the on screen display menu to be closed and thecurrently selected input source to be displayed or for no change ininput source to be made.

If a user input is received to change the selection, then the on screendisplay menu alters the indication of selection (e.g., highlights thenewly selected navigation options) and can alter the display of anassociated input source to enlarge it, update it, start playback orsimilarly emphasize the input source or provide additional informationabout the input source (block 511). Once selected, the on screen displaymenu waits for further input from the user (block 505).

If a user input is received that confirms a selection, then the onscreen display system initiates an action to switch to the confirmedtelevision input source (block 507). The on screen display menu can alsodisplay navigation options that alter settings, display modes or similarnavigation options. Confirmation of one of these navigation options canalter the mode, update a setting or similarly alter the state of thetelevision monitor or television system.

The confirmation of a selection can cause the on screen display menu toclose (block 509). This allows the television system to switch to theselected input source and output it in a full screen mode (or at anyselected settings) to the television monitor. Other types of confirmednavigation options can cause the changing of state information and theupdate of the on screen display menu.

FIG. 6A is a diagram of one embodiment of an on screen menu for inputselection. In the diagram, an embodiment with navigation options arrayedacross the top and bottom of the menu is illustrated. The input sourcevideos or images are arrayed across the middle of the on screen display.The example diagram shows the image from the currently selected (TV)input source. However, other input source images or video could also bedisplayed in the Picture 1-Picture 5 slots.

The example interface provides a set of input sources as: TV, DVD, VCR,PC, SAT (satellite), Help, What's New, News, Local Events and Setup.These options and this layout are provided by way of example. Oneskilled in the art would understand that the layout and availableoptions can be varied, reduced, increased, layered or otherwisereorganized consistent with the principles of operation describedherein.

The TV, DVD, VCR, PC and SAT navigation options allow a user to selectan input source by selecting the corresponding icon on the screen. Aseach icon is selected, the corresponding input source video and audioare displayed and output to allow a user to confirm that the desiredcontent has been selected. Navigation of the menu can be effectedthrough the remote control, which includes a navigation pad or similarinput mechanism that allows a user to input directional input to movebetween navigation options.

The Help, What's New, News, Local Events and Set Up options can beselected to view additional information through the on screen displaysystem. The Help option can provide additional information about usingthe on screen display system and the television system. The What's Newoption can provide information about the latest services offered throughthe on screen display system for the television system. The News optionprovides additional information about current events from any newssource. The Local Events option can similarly provide information thatis related to local events near the user. The Set Up option allows auser to access a menu or set of menus that control the settings for thetelevision system such as brightness, contrast, sound, picture, hue,connections and similar aspects of the television system. Some of theseoptions may draw from data provided by other attached devices, a localpersonal computer or remote server.

FIG. 6B is a diagram of one embodiment of an on screen menu for inputselection where an input source has been initially selected. Thisexample illustrates an embodiment where selection of an input source,here the TV input source, is responded to by enlarging the image orvideo from that input source. This allows a user to more closely inspectthe input source to verify that it is the one that is desired to beselected. This can coincide or be replaced by the output of relatedaudio, the activation of video playback, updating of the image shown ordisplay of similar information.

FIG. 6C is a diagram of one embodiment of an on screen menu for inputselection where an input source selection has been confirmed. Thisscreen illustrates the results of confirming the selection from FIG. 8B.The input source is then output to the entire screen. A message such as‘watch the show’ can also be displayed to allow the user to see that thetransition has been made or to allow another level of confirmation,where the user selects the display text or icon to additionally confirmthat the correct input source has been selected.

FIG. 6D is a diagram of one embodiment of an on screen menu for inputselection where an option to change input source selection has beenpresented. The illustrated screen shows a prompt to a user to determinewhether the user desires to change the input source. This prompt can bedisplayed in response to a user interaction with a remote control, suchas the activation of an ‘OSD’ button to confirm that the user does wantto switch to the on screen display menu. A further press of the OSDbutton or similar input can be used to confirm the selection or anotherbutton or a timeout can counter the selection.

FIG. 6E is a diagram of one embodiment of an on screen menu for inputselection where a personal computer input source selection has beenselected. This diagram illustrates the selection of a personal computerinput source. Similar input sources can be handled analogously such asconsole devices. The menu informs a user that to utilize the inputsource another peripheral device such as a keyboard, mouse, Wiimote® byNintendo or similar peripheral device should be utilized to interactwith the new input source. This information helps the user to transitionbetween interacting with the television system with the remote controland interacting with other attached devices such as the personalcomputer or console device.

FIG. 6F is a diagram of one embodiment of an on screen menu for inputselection where a slideshow option has been selected. This embodimentillustrates the display of a screen show (e.g., a slideshow) by thetelevision system. The television system can have a memory reader orstorage device that allows images to be stored and accessed for displaythrough the television monitor. The screen show may stylize or augmentthe playback of images with music, graphics or similar effects. Thescreen show can be automated or advanced through the remote control orsimilar device.

FIG. 7A is a flowchart of one embodiment of a process for managinginteraction with a personal computer through the television. Thisprocess can be performed by the television system. The television systemcommunicates and interacts with the personal computer or similar deviceto provide a more integrated experience between the television systemand the personal computer.

The process can be initiated (block 701) in a default mode where thetelevision system is displaying a non-personal computer input sourcethrough the television system (block 703). As long as all input from theuser through the remote control or similar devices is sending atelevision related command (e.g., volume or channel adjustment) then thetelevision system stays in the non-personal computer based contentdisplay mode (block 705).

However, if a command is received from a remote control that is relatedto control or interaction with a personal computer, then a command issent to the attached personal computer (block 707). The personalcomputer may be connected to the television system through any type ofcommunication medium such as USB, Firewire, RS-232 or similarcommunication mediums.

In response to receiving a personal computer related command thetelevision system may begin to transition the displayed input sourcefrom the currently selected input source (block 709) to the personalcomputer input source (block 711). The transition may involve the onscreen display menu or may be a transition screen, fade or similartransition technique. In some cases the personal computer may need to bebooted (e.g., the television system can provide the software orapplications to be executed) or an application on the personal computermay need to be started to handle the incoming command from thetelevision system. In these cases, the transition screen can inform theuser of the status of the personal computer and let them know it isloading.

Once in the personal computer content display mode both televisioncommands and personal computer commands can be received from peripheraldevices and other input sources (blocks 713 and 715). If a televisionmode or input source switch is requested then the transition back to anon-personal computer display mode is initiated. This also includessending a command to the personal computer to instruct it to transitionto a standby mode, shut down or similar react to the command (block719). The transition screen can again be the on screen display menu, astatus screen, fade or similar transition screen. Television controlsare then processed again (block 717) until the personal computer mode isneeded.

FIG. 7B is a flowchart of one embodiment of a process for managinginteraction with a personal computer through the television. In thisembodiment, the personal computer executes software that is able tocontrol the functionality of the television system including thetelevision monitor. The example of a personal computer is given.However, one skilled in the art would understand that other types ofcomputing devices including console devices, handheld devices andsimilar computing devices could also execute this or similar software.

This software can be started at any point by a user (block 751). Thesoftware checks if a compatible television is known to be connected withthe computer. If a compatible television system is not connected (block753), then the software enters a state of operation that recognizes thelack of a connection. An attempt to initiate communication with thetelevision system can be started (block 755). The communication can beinitiated over a USB connection or similar type of connection.

If the software is aware that a television system is connected, then itcommences with the initiation of communication with that televisionsystem. The initiation of communication involves a handshaking protocolbetween the television system and the personal computer (block 757). Thehandshaking protocol can utilize any format or procedure. Thehandshaking allows the television system and personal computer toconfirm each devices presence and ability to communicate over acommunication medium. If the handshaking fails (due to a time out orsimilar mechanism), then an error message can be displayed by both thetelevision system and the personal computer (block 765).

If the handshaking process is successful, then the software enters atelevision operation mode (block 759). The personal computer can receivesignals from the user through the remote control directly or through thetelevision system. The personal computer can then determine how torespond to the received commands (block 761). The personal computer canissue commands to the television system (block 763), if an adjustment isrequired (e.g., to handle a command from the remote).

If at any point during operation in the connected state, communicationbetween the television system and the personal computer is lost, thenthe software can generate an error message display or similar feedbackand return to the non-connected stage (block 753).

The following examples of television system and personal computerinteraction are given by way of example and not exhaustive for sake ofclarity in describing the television system.

In an example where a personal computer is connected to a televisionsystem, the user installs special software onto their personal computer,or purchases a personal computer with the software installed. Thepersonal computer is connected to the television system by using a USBcable or similar connector. Upon connecting the personal computer to thetelevision system, the personal computer will recognize that a USBdevice has been connected. The personal computer will initiatecommunication with the television system to determine the capabilitiesof the television system and to inform the television system that apersonal computer has been successfully connected. Optionally, thetelevision system and personal computer will perform a handshakingroutine.

Also, optionally, the personal computer will learn the televisionfirmware version. The personal computer informs the television systemwhat new menu items need to be added, and what the new menu structureshould be. At this point, the personal computer and television have beensuccessfully connected. The user will be notified on the personalcomputer that the television system is connected and ready to use

In an example embodiment where a personal computer mode is entered, theuser may be watching content from a non-personal computer source, suchas cable or a DVD player. The user presses the OSD button on the remote.The television system draws the on-screen display menu. The user selectspersonal computer based content. The television sends a request for theselected content from the personal computer and switches to the personalcomputer input. If the personal computer is not connected, thetelevision system will display a “PC not connected” message, and willnot change inputs. The television system then removes the on-screendisplay menu.

In an example where personal computer control is initiated, thetelevision is set to the personal computer input and the user watchespersonal computer-based content. The user presses a personal computerrelated button, such as channel up. The television system sends thecommand to the personal computer. The personal computer responds to theremote control command. The user presses a non-personal computer-relatedbutton, such as volume up. The television responds to the remote controlcommand.

The personal computer needs to automatically adjust the televisionsystem. The personal computer sends a command to the television system,such as brightness down. The television system responds to the personalcomputer command.

In an example of exiting a personal computer mode, the television is setto the personal computer input and the user watches personalcomputer-based content. The user presses the “OSD” button on the remotecontrol. The television draws the on screen display menu. The personalcomputer draws any additional personal computer specific on screendisplay menu. The user selects a non-personal computer menu source, suchas a DVD player. The television system sends the command to the personalcomputer. The television system switches to the DVD player input source.The personal computer stops drawing the on screen display menu andoptionally stops playing the current content. At this point, thetelevision system has exited personal computer mode, and will not passany remote control commands to the personal computer. Optionally, thetelevision system will ignore personal computer commands until it hasre-entered personal computer mode.

In an example of a television system mode, the television is set to anynon-persona computer input, such as cable. The user presses any remotecontrol button, such as channel up. The television system will respondto the button press. For example, if watching television, the televisionsystem will increase the current channel. If watching a DVD inputsource, the television system will not respond to the button press.

FIG. 8 is a diagram of one embodiment of the components of thetelevision system. In one embodiment, the television system includes aprocessing device 801, display device 805, audio device 807, a set ofvideo and audio input ports 803 and a command or output interface 809.These components can disposed within the housing of a television, on aremovable card, in an external box or other component.

The input ports 803 can include any number or type of audio or videoinput ports. The input ports can include HDMI inputs, DVI inputs,Component inputs, S-video inputs, audio inputs including analog anddigital (e.g., fiber optic) and similar input ports. These input ports803 can be in direct or indirect communication with the processingdevice 801. For example, intermediate source selection or mixingcomponents can be controlled by the processing device 801.

The processing device 801 generates and integrates the on screen displaywith the incoming signals to generate a set of output signals for thedisplay device 805 and audio device 807. The processing device 801controls the selection of input source and generates commands to thecommand or output interface 809 to control or interact with externaldevice or pass input signals to those external device as describedherein above. The processing device 801 can be a general purposeprocessor executing embedded software or locally stored software (e.g.,in a read only memory (ROM), magnetic storage device, Flash device orsimilar storage device). In another embodiment, the processing device801 is an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or similarprocessing device to implement the on screen display and relatedsoftware as hardware or to execute it as firmware. The processing device801 can be monolithic processing device or set of processing devicesthat execute different functions as described herein.

The command or output interface 809 transmits signals to externaldevices including audio, video, data and command signals. The command oroutput interface 809 can be implemented as a set of general purposeprocessing devices or ASICs. The processing device 801 provides theinput signals and commands to be transmitted to the external devicesover any type of communication medium and over any type of audio/videoport.

The display device 805 can be any type of display including CRT, LCD,projector, OLED, LED or similar display device. The audio device 807 canbe any type or number of speakers or similar audio output devices.

Thus, a method and apparatus for providing an on screen display formanaging input sources for a television system has been described. It isto be understood that the above description is intended to beillustrative and not restrictive. Many other embodiments will beapparent to those of skill in the art upon reading and understanding theabove description. The scope of the invention should, therefore, bedetermined with reference to the appended claims, along with the fullscope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

1. A method of operating a television comprising: identifying each of aplurality of input signals from a plurality of sources; generating an onscreen menu by the television to allow selection of each of theplurality of sources that have been identified including a display of aninput source type or description that was identified; receiving a userselection of a menu option corresponding to one of the plurality ofinput signals; and displaying the input signal in response to the userselection.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: displaying oneof the plurality of input signals in the menu.
 3. The method of claim 1,wherein each of the plurality of input signals is received through aseparate input source.
 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising:displaying at least one image from the plurality of sources through theon screen menu prior to selection confirmation.
 5. The method of claim1, further comprising: displaying additional resources through the onscreen menu including a help option, a what's new option, a news option,a local events option, and a set up option.
 6. A method comprising:displaying non-computer based content through a television; receiving acomputer related command at the television; forwarding the computercommand to a computer; and transitioning the television to display acomputer source.
 7. The method of claim 6, further comprising: receivinga command from the computer; and transitioning the television display totelevision based content.
 8. The method of claim 6, further comprising:processing television and computer commands while displaying computersource content.
 9. A method comprising: initiating televisioncommunication by a computer; completing a handshake process with thetelevision; displaying computer content on the television; andprocessing television and computer commands while displaying thecomputer content.
 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising:resuming normal computer operations when television control software isstopped or disconnected from the television.
 11. The method of claim 9further comprising: displaying an error message on the computer ortelevision when a handshake fails or communication between the computerand television fails.
 12. A system comprising: a processing device toexecute an on screen display for a television, the processing devicehoused in the television, the processing device to control input sourceselection; and a display device coupled to the processing device todisplay a selected source, wherein the on screen display provides animage of at least on source prior to selection and dynamicallyidentifies and labels the source.
 13. The system of claim 12, whereinthe processing device sends commands to external devices including anexternal computer through an output interface.
 14. The system of claim12, wherein the processing device changes display modes in response toexternal computer commands.
 15. The system of claim 12, wherein theprocessing device sends commands to external devices that are inputsources for the television.
 16. The system of claim 12, furthercomprising: a display device; an audio device; and an output interface.